This competition entry for the redevelopment of the Kiev Edge Park’s infrastructure was submitted by architects Bablowsky & Wlasenko Architects, Roman Pomazan and Peter Vlasenko. The main goal of this project was to define strategic lines of the Kiev Edge’s development for short- and a long-term performance. It’s mission was to redefine and create a new connections between and inside the Edge along Kiev, Ukraine prominent River Dnepr.
Catch us after the break for more on this project.
The issues proposed by this competition were to:
1. Optimize transportation 2. Expand and streamline public space 3. Functionally divide the territory of the Edge along programmatic and functional lines 4. Streamline cityscape elements such as urban design elements, temporary structures, advertising, etc. 5. Arrange green spaces 6. Improve of public lighting 7. Improve of public WCs 8. Develop foot walks, bicycle trails etc. 9. Calm traffic
This proposal focused on additional issues that included sponsorship and support of ecologically friendly municipal transportation (bikes, segways, rollerblades, etc.), eco-friendly programs for citizens, effective gray water and garbage management, sustainable energy distribution and consumption, development of the graphic identity of the Edge, special accommodations for handicapped people, wi-fi access on the Edge territory, sentry and security system, network of free access to archeological museums and water bus routes along the Edge to connect far sides and ease access to the left bank landmarks and entertainment areas.
The concept for this type of urban planning was derived from a desire to promote and develop the historical and cultural identity of the park, river and its outlying ares which include archeological museums and nearby districts. There was also a need to reconnect broken and abandoned infrastructural areas of the park, cut off by residential development and the lack of recreational development. It is also the goal to establish a unity and continuation among the areas of the park that connect to Kiev. The landscape and environment strategy is to preserve and develop city environment. It points out features and qualities of existing landscapes: network of parks on the slopes and hallows, use of natural springs in fountains and all sorts of artificial pools.
One of ultimate goals of sustainable strategy is to form sustainable way of thinking in citizens. A Municipal Centre of Sustainable Development is proposed for this purpose. Another vector is garbage management, segregation and utilization. The next goal is to provide all territories of the Edge with clean energy sources – PV panels, VAWTs etc. A priority development strategy could provide connections between General Development Strategy and execution of specific projects in Red and Green zones.
Strategic plan of Edge development involve:
1. Reestablishment of bicycle/pedestrian route connecting Lvivskaya Square and the monument of Motherland near the Patona Bridge. 2. Traffic calming in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic (connection between Arsenalnaya subway station and World War II museum complex through the Lavra monastery complex). 3. Placing automatic parking lots all over the Edge territory. 4. Establish Edge as city significant park territory with its own heraldic identity and touristic routes and attractions. 5. Establish protected legal position for all parks in the Edge territory. 6. Creation of additional points of interest, such as dancing, sport grounds, barbecue grounds, special trails for sport activities (BMX, skate, trial etc.), open air free access galleries. 7. Reestablish broken and establish new connections between Edge parts, located alongside Dnepr River bank. 8. Establish network of bicycle and pedestrian trails at the lower part of the Edge, equipped with bike lifts for easier access to the upper part of the Edge. Establish municipal rent service, equipped with bikes and segways, easy-to-access, easy-to-pay parkings for bikes and segways, 9. Establish park care service, equipped with electric vehicles. Establish infrastructure for service and charging of such vehicles. 10. Friendly and reliable sentry and security system for all of the Edge territory. 11. Establish network of eco-friendly easy to mount trading pavilions and wending machines all over the Edge territory. 12. Implementation of Automatic Hybrid System Of Power Supply with emergency access to the city electric supply network. Hybrid system must involve Photovoltaic panels, Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, Anaerobic Digesters and Micro Hydroturbines. 13. Implementation of rainwater and grey water management and reuse. 14. Reconstruction and development of sewage system. 15. Implementation of garbage management and system – collection, segregation and utilization of different kinds of garbage. 16. Arrange new retaining walls, pavement and landscape illumination using sustainable technologies and energy sources. 17. Allowing to charge electronic device all over the park territory. Power outlets could be built in the street lamps, benches etc.
